Google+ stats: 10 million signups, 1.8 million returns

People rushed to sign up for Google’s new social networking service, but they’re taking their time returning to the site.

That’s the read by Experian Hitwise, which released a report saying Google+ drew 1.8 million total visits last week. More than 10 million people registered for the service after it launched in a limited test starting June 28.

“Everyone was clamoring to get the invites, maybe they’re not returning back,” said Experian Hitwise spokesman Matt Tatham.

Google+ was the 42nd most visited social network in the U.S. last week.

Facebook drew 1.8 billion visits last week, continuing its status as the most-visited website in the U.S., according to Experian Hitwise.

So far the largest group of Google+ users are typical early adopters. Visitors over the last week were 57 percent male, and the largest group — 38 percent — were 18 to 34, according to Experian Hitwise.

The most overall visits to Google+ came from Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco, but there was a high concentration of visitors from Portland and Bend, Ore., and Bowling Green, Ky.

The greater Seattle area had the ninth highest percentage of visits to Google+ during the four weeks ending July 16.

Brier Dudley offers a critical look at technology and business issues affecting the Northwest. Send tips or comments to bdudley@seattletimes.com. His column runs Monday, and his commentary appears here all week.